CAF
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), known in French as Forces armées canadiennes (FAC), are the unified professional volunteer military of Canada, encompassing the Regular Force for full-time service and the Primary Reserve for part-time support, with primary responsibilities including territorial defense, multinational combat and peacekeeping deployments, and assistance to civil authorities in emergencies such as natural disasters and search-and-rescue operations.[1][2] Organized into three environmental commands—the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Canadian Air Force—the CAF operates under the Department of National Defence to execute government-directed missions, drawing on a heritage of contributions to major 20th-century conflicts like the World Wars and the Korean War, as well as modern engagements in Afghanistan and NATO-led efforts against ISIS.[3] As of 2025, the CAF aims for 71,500 Regular Force members and 30,000 Primary Reserve personnel but remains approximately 14,000 short of targets amid recruitment and retention challenges, despite achieving a 10-year high in new enlistments during the 2024-2025 fiscal year with 6,706 Regular Force additions.[4][5] Notable achievements include technological innovations in operations and a strong emphasis on joint interoperability, yet the force has encountered significant controversies, including prolonged delays in major procurements such as fighter aircraft and submarines that have strained operational readiness, and a pervasive culture of sexual misconduct exposed since 2015, prompting judicial inquiries, cultural overhaul initiatives, and admissions of systemic failures by leadership.[1]Military and Defense
Canadian Armed Forces
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are the unified military organization of Canada, responsible for national defense, sovereignty protection, and international security contributions. Established through the unification of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force on February 1, 1968, via the Canadian Forces Reorganization Act, the CAF operates under a single command structure to enhance administrative efficiency and reduce duplication amid post-World War II fiscal constraints.[6][7] The unification, driven by Minister of National Defence Paul Hellyer, replaced separate service headquarters with a centralized National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, though it faced resistance from traditionalists over the loss of distinct uniforms, ranks, and traditions.[7] The Commander-in-Chief is the King of Canada, represented by the Governor General, with operational authority vested in the Chief of the Defence Staff under the Minister of National Defence.[8] The CAF comprises three primary environmental commands: the Canadian Army (focused on land operations), Royal Canadian Navy (maritime defense and power projection), and Royal Canadian Air Force (air and space domain awareness).[1] As of 2025, regular force strength stands at approximately 68,000 personnel, supplemented by 27,000 primary reserves and additional Canadian Rangers for northern surveillance, though the force remains under its authorized target of 71,500 regulars and 30,000 reserves due to persistent recruitment and retention shortfalls in prior years.[9][4] In fiscal year 2024-2025, the CAF enrolled 6,706 new regular force members, exceeding its annual target of 6,496 for the first time in a decade, attributed to streamlined processing and targeted campaigns, yet Auditor General reports highlight ongoing gaps in training capacity, housing quality (including potable water deficiencies at some bases), and overall readiness to meet operational demands.[10][11] Canada's defense spending has accelerated to address NATO commitments, with the 2025-2026 budget allocating an additional C$9 billion to reach approximately C$62.7 billion, achieving the 2% of GDP threshold by April 2026—up from 1.33% in prior years—and funding procurement of frigates, fighter jets, and Arctic capabilities.[12][13] Current operations include NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence battle group in Latvia (extended to 2029 with 2,200 personnel to deter Russian aggression), counter-narcotics patrols in the Caribbean, support to Ukraine via Operation Unifier, and domestic tasks like sovereignty patrols in the Arctic and disaster response.[14][15] These deployments underscore the CAF's expeditionary role, though analyses note equipment obsolescence and personnel shortages have constrained full-spectrum readiness, prompting reforms in recruitment standards and infrastructure investment.[16]Commemorative Air Force
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to preserving and operating historic military aircraft, primarily from World War II, to educate the public about aviation history through flight demonstrations and living history events.[17] Founded in 1957 by a group of aviation enthusiasts led by Lloyd Turner, the organization initially focused on acquiring and restoring combat aircraft flown by U.S. military services during wartime.[18] Its mission is to educate, inspire, and honor participants in aviation through hands-on experiences, including airshows, rides in vintage planes, and educational programs that emphasize the technical and human elements of military aviation.[19] Originally named the Confederate Air Force, the group adopted this moniker to evoke the spirit of Southern Confederate pilots who flew Allied aircraft in World War II, reflecting the founders' regional ties and a thematic nod to historical defiance rather than explicit political ideology.[18] The name proved controversial over time, as the organization's scope expanded beyond U.S. Confederate heritage to include aircraft from Allied and Axis powers, with restoration efforts encompassing planes like the Boeing B-29 Superfortress and North American P-51 Mustang.[20] In response to member concerns that the original name misrepresented the broadened, multinational focus on aviation preservation, a membership vote in 2001 approved a rebranding to Commemorative Air Force, effective January 1, 2002.[19] This change aimed to align the title more accurately with the group's educational objectives, distancing it from sectional associations while maintaining its commitment to operational authenticity over static museum displays.[20] The CAF operates a fleet of over 160 flyable aircraft, maintained by volunteer pilots, mechanics, and historians across more than 70 wings and squadrons in the United States.[20] Key assets include the rare B-29 FIFI, one of only two airworthy examples of the type that dropped atomic bombs on Japan, and various fighters such as the F4U Corsair and Messerschmitt Bf 109, which enable demonstrations of wartime tactics and engineering feats. Annual events like the Airpower History Tour and Wings of Freedom Tour provide public access to these machines, with paid rides generating funds for maintenance amid high operational costs driven by aging airframes and scarce parts.[19] Membership exceeds 9,000 individuals, supporting restoration projects that prioritize airworthiness to convey the visceral realities of aerial combat, including engine performance under load and pilot ergonomics, rather than sanitized narratives.[20] Through its emphasis on flying heritage over mere exhibition, the CAF counters the trend of grounding historic planes in museums, arguing that operational flight best preserves tacit knowledge of aviation's causal dynamics, such as aerodynamic stresses and propulsion limits that static displays cannot replicate.[19] Challenges include regulatory hurdles from the Federal Aviation Administration for vintage warbirds and funding dependencies on donations, yet the organization has sustained growth by partnering with aviation experts and hosting symposia on preservation techniques.[18]Sports Governance
Confederation of African Football
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) serves as the governing body for association football across the African continent, overseeing national teams, clubs, and development programs under the auspices of FIFA. Established in 1957 by founding members Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, and South Africa, CAF emerged from efforts to unify African football associations following FIFA's recognition of the region in 1954.[21] Its headquarters are located in Cairo, Egypt, and it administers competitions that have expanded from initial participation of four nations to involving dozens of countries, reflecting football's growth amid varying infrastructural challenges in member states.[22] CAF comprises 54 member associations, divided into six regional zones: North Africa (UNAF), West Africa A and B (WAFU), Central Africa (UNIFFAC), East and Central Africa (CECAFA), and Southern Africa (COSAFA).[23] The organization's structure includes an Executive Committee, led by President Patrice Motsepe of South Africa, who assumed office in March 2021 following a vote at the CAF General Assembly in Rabat, Morocco, and was positioned for re-election in 2025 amid reports of uncontested processes.[24][25] Vice-presidents such as Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco) and Kurt Okraku (Ghana) support operations, with the committee handling policy, finance, and ethics enforcement.[24] CAF's flagship event, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), debuted in February 1957 in Khartoum, Sudan, with Egypt defeating the hosts 4-0 in the final before an audience limited by the era's logistics.[26] Originally biennial and hosted by a single nation, AFCON has evolved into a 24-team tournament held every two years in odd-numbered years since 2013, incorporating qualifiers to broaden participation; the 2025 edition is scheduled for Morocco.[21] Club-level events include the CAF Champions League, contested annually since 1964 as Africa's premier club competition, and the CAF Confederation Cup, introduced in 2001 for lower-tier continental qualification. Women's football features the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, launched in 1998 and also biennial.[27] CAF further manages age-group tournaments like the U-23 and U-20 AFCONs, which double as qualifiers for Olympic and World Youth events. In international qualifications, CAF orchestrates Africa's pathway to the FIFA World Cup, where the continent traditionally secured five direct slots but will receive nine for the 2026 edition hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, potentially expanding to ten via intercontinental playoffs.[28] This increase stems from FIFA's 2023 expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, aiming to boost African representation after milestones like Morocco's semifinal run in 2022. CAF also promotes grassroots initiatives, referee training, and infrastructure grants, though execution varies by member federation's governance standards.[29] CAF's history includes periods of leadership instability tied to financial mismanagement. Longtime president Issa Hayatou (1988–2017) faced allegations of receiving undeclared payments, including $100,000 from FIFA in the 1990s for unspecified purposes, though he maintained these were legitimate.[30] His successor, Ahmad Ahmad (2017–2021), was banned for five years by FIFA's Ethics Committee in 2020 for bribery, non-disclosure of conflicts in apparel contracts, and misappropriation of over $500,000 in funds during travels.[31][32] Under Motsepe, CAF has pledged zero tolerance for corruption, with public warnings to federations on fund misuse and vows of sanctions, as articulated in April 2025 amid probes into national officials.[33][34] These efforts address empirical patterns of graft that have historically undermined revenue distribution—CAF reported nearing break-even status by 2024 after prior deficits—but persistent accusations against executives highlight ongoing challenges in accountability.[35]Political Organizations
Campaign for America's Future
The Campaign for America's Future (CAF) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization founded in 1996 as a progressive advocacy group focused on economic policy and political strategy. Co-directed by Robert Borosage and Roger Hickey, it emerged as a counter to centrist Democratic elements like the Democratic Leadership Council, emphasizing policies to empower workers, reduce income inequality, and expand government roles in healthcare, education, and environmental regulation.[36][37][38] CAF describes its mission as building an "enduring progressive majority" through coalition-building and issue campaigns, often prioritizing union revitalization and critiques of free-market approaches to economic growth.[39] The organization has produced reports and advocated for specific reforms, such as reviving strong unions to rebuild the middle class, implementing a financial transactions tax for revenue generation, and pursuing a "Green Industrial Revolution" to address climate and job creation.[40][41][42] Its activities include partnering with labor groups like the AFL-CIO for grants and policy pushes, as well as coordinating with networks on education and trade issues.[43] As a tax-exempt advocacy entity, CAF engages in lobbying and electoral influence without disclosing all donors, aligning with broader progressive efforts but drawing scrutiny from critics for opaque funding in political spending.[44] In 2016, CAF combined operations with People's Action, a federation of over 40 community organizations spanning 30 states, enhancing its grassroots reach for campaigns on economic justice, racial equity, and anti-poverty measures.[45][46] This integration folded CAF's OurFuture.org platform into People's Action's structure, which mobilizes over a million members for direct action and voter engagement. Borosage remains a key figure, contributing to analyses of progressive challenges post-2016 elections.[47] Despite its influence in left-leaning coalitions, CAF's policy prescriptions—favoring expansive government intervention—have been critiqued by conservative observers for overlooking market-driven incentives in favor of ideological priorities.[48][49]International Development and Finance
Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean
The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, known as CAF, is a multilateral financial institution headquartered in Caracas, Venezuela, that finances projects to promote sustainable development and regional integration across its member countries.[50] Originally established in 1968 as the Corporación Andina de Fomento by five Andean nations—Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru—to support economic integration under the Andean Pact, it began operations in 1970 and expanded beyond its subregional origins to encompass broader Latin American and Caribbean membership.[51] Over time, CAF has grown into a key source of long-term financing, emphasizing infrastructure, energy, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability, with a portfolio exceeding USD 34.7 billion as of 2024.[50] CAF's ownership includes 23 sovereign shareholders—21 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean, plus Spain and Portugal—alongside 13 private banks from the region, structured through series A, B, and C shares that determine voting rights and contributions.[50] Its governance features a Shareholders' Assembly, Board of Directors, and executive presidency, guided by a constitutive agreement that prioritizes development lending over profit maximization.[50] In 2024, CAF approved USD 15.856 billion in financing, marking a 6.5% increase from the prior year and focusing on strategic sectors like renewable energy, transportation, and climate resilience.[50] The institution has positioned itself as a "green bank," directing resources toward low-carbon transitions and adaptation measures, including over USD 800 million in green energy and emissions mitigation projects.[52] Key activities encompass sovereign and non-sovereign loans, equity investments, and technical assistance, often in partnership with entities like the Green Climate Fund and UNICEF to address regional challenges such as inequality and climate vulnerability.[52] For instance, in June 2025, CAF approved USD 5.2 billion across 16 operations in 10 countries, incorporating new members and emphasizing sustainable infrastructure.[53] Its strategy to 2026 underscores inclusive growth, with initiatives like the LAC Future Bank aiming to mobilize USD 5 billion for youth development impacting 50 million people.[54] CAF also publishes data on over 150 financed activities across 14 countries, promoting transparency in development finance.[55]Charities Aid Foundation
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) is a United Kingdom-registered charity headquartered in West Malling, Kent, that facilitates philanthropic giving through donor-advised funds, grant-making services, and financial products tailored for charities and high-net-worth individuals.[56] Established with roots tracing back to 1924 as the Charities Departments of the National Council of Social Service, CAF evolved into an independent entity focused on channeling funds efficiently to charitable causes worldwide.[57] By 2024, it had distributed over £1.1 billion in grants to charities on behalf of donors, marking a record for the organization during its centenary year.[58] CAF's core operations include managing charitable accounts that allow donors to recommend grants to over 160,000 verified UK charities and international equivalents, while providing banking and investment services through its subsidiary, CAF Bank.[59] It supports approximately 14,000 charity clients with services such as payroll processing and direct debit management, though operational disruptions, including delayed payrolls in June 2025 due to system overloads on high-volume payment days, have drawn complaints from users.[60] The organization emphasizes impact measurement, advising donors on tax-efficient giving strategies and helping charities enhance fundraising resilience amid economic pressures like fluctuating donor retention rates.[61] In research, CAF produces the annual World Giving Report (formerly World Giving Index), which surveys over 55,000 individuals across 101 countries to assess global generosity trends, such as the percentage of adults donating money, volunteering time, or helping strangers.[62] The 2025 edition highlighted evolving donor motivations and behaviors, building on prior findings like Indonesia's top ranking for monetary donations in 2021.[63] These reports, derived from Gallup polling data, provide empirical benchmarks but have faced broader scrutiny in the sector over declining public trust in charities following high-profile scandals, potentially influencing giving patterns.[64] CAF has occasionally withdrawn banking facilities from specific organizations, such as certain Islamic charities in 2014, citing compliance with regulatory standards rather than ideological discrimination, while continuing to support around 400 such groups overall.[65] Its U.S. affiliate, Charities Aid Foundation America (founded 1992), extends similar grant-making for international philanthropy, vetting recipients to ensure fiscal responsibility in a $590 billion U.S. sector as of 2024.[66] Despite these efforts, user reviews on platforms like Trustpilot reflect dissatisfaction with service reliability, averaging low ratings amid banking glitches.[67]Transportation and Engineering
Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles
Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A. (CAF) is a publicly traded Spanish multinational corporation engaged in the engineering, manufacturing, and servicing of rail vehicles, buses, and comprehensive transport systems. Headquartered in Beasain, Gipuzkoa, the company focuses on sustainable mobility solutions, including high-speed trains, metro systems, trams, regional rolling stock, and low- or zero-emission buses. With operations spanning design, production, signalling integration, maintenance, and turnkey project delivery, CAF serves public transport operators globally.[68][69] The firm's origins date to 1892, when workshops were established in Beasain for locomotive repairs and metalworking, evolving from an old forge into specialized rail facilities. On March 4, 1917, Compañía Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles was formally founded to lease assets and expand into freight car production, initially employing around 1,600 workers amid Spain's early 20th-century rail expansion. Post-Spanish Civil War, CAF shifted toward passenger vehicles and modernization, growing into a key European supplier by the late 20th century through exports and technological advancements in welding and assembly techniques.[70] CAF maintains production plants in Spain, alongside facilities in France, the United Kingdom, Poland, the United States, Mexico, and Brazil, supporting delivery to over 60 countries. Its workforce exceeds 16,000 employees, emphasizing engineering and project management for end-to-end rail and bus ecosystems. Key subsidiaries include Solaris Bus & Coaches, acquired to bolster electromobility offerings such as hydrogen and battery-electric vehicles. The company integrates digital signalling, predictive maintenance, and energy-efficient designs to meet regulatory demands for reduced emissions.[68][71] Product lines encompass metro and commuter trains like the Civia platform, high-speed models such as the Oaris, and light rail vehicles including the Urbos tram family, deployed in urban networks worldwide. Bus solutions via Solaris feature models with up to 100% zero-emission propulsion, operational in European fleets. Services extend to refurbishment of legacy rolling stock and infrastructure upgrades, with recent contracts including metro expansions in Spain and international light rail projects.[72] Financially, CAF achieved €4.21 billion in revenue for 2024, a 10% year-over-year increase driven by order backlogs in rail and bus segments, alongside €216 million in EBIT, reflecting 21% growth. The firm trades on the Madrid Stock Exchange under ticker CAF.MC, with a market capitalization of approximately €1.79 billion as of late 2024. Its emphasis on sustainable technologies aligns with global decarbonization trends, though execution risks in large-scale projects remain inherent to the sector.[73][74]Trade and Shipping
Cost and Freight
Cost and Freight (CFR), also known as C&F, is an International Commercial Term (Incoterm) defined by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) for use in contracts involving sea or inland waterway transport. Under CFR, the seller fulfills its delivery obligation by placing the goods on board the vessel at the port of shipment and pays the costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named port of destination specified in the contract. However, the risk of loss or damage to the goods transfers from the seller to the buyer once the goods are loaded on board the vessel at the origin port, rather than at the destination. This term applies exclusively to non-containerized cargo or break-bulk shipments, as containerized transport can complicate risk transfer points.[75][76][77] The origins of CFR trace back to the first edition of Incoterms published by the ICC in 1936, which included C&F as one of the initial standardized terms to clarify trade responsibilities amid growing international commerce. Subsequent revisions, including updates in 1953, 1967, 1976, 1990, 2000, 2010, and the current Incoterms 2020, have refined CFR to address evolving logistics, such as clearer security obligations and transport document requirements, while maintaining its core structure for maritime trade. These rules do not supersede national laws or override contract specifics but provide a globally recognized framework to allocate costs, risks, and duties between parties.[78][79][80] Seller's obligations under CFR include:- Handling all export formalities, such as obtaining export licenses and clearing customs at the origin port.[81]
- Delivering the goods on board the named vessel at the port of shipment, free from any liens or claims.[77]
- Contracting and paying for carriage to the destination port, including loading costs at origin but excluding unloading at destination.[82]
- Providing the buyer with the transport document (e.g., bill of lading) promptly to allow possession of goods.[75]
- Covering costs for pre-shipment inspection if required by the contract or export regulations.[81]
- Bearing all risks after the goods are loaded on board at the shipment port, including potential loss or damage en route.[77]
- Arranging and paying for insurance if desired, as the seller provides none.[82]
- Handling import clearance, duties, taxes, and unloading costs at the destination port.[81]
- Onward transportation from the destination port to the final destination.[76]